Intermittant problem starting

I have a 1994 1-ton van with the 5.8L. It has 142,000 miles. Normally it will start great. But occasionally it will crank and crank, firing a few times like it's about to start, but doesn't. We have run the battery down a few times just cranking it. If we leave it set for a few hours, it will then start just fine. When it does start with no problem, it idles great and runs down the road just fine. It will even accelerate with no problems. I replaced the fuel filter about 3 months ago. The few times that it has initially acted like it was not going to start, but then did, the engine would idle very rough for a few seconds and then run fine (like it was flooded and was clearing out the extra fuel). I have asked the Ford house and all of the parts house folks I can get to, plus a few internet sites, and here are the list of possible problem parts I have come up with so far.

- Fuel pump
- Idle control valve
- Fuel Control Valve
- Crank signal/position sensor
- Coil
- Ignition switch

Any advice on what to check would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
8 Kids

Well, whatever it is I have the same issue, and exactly the same symptoms.

Frustrating cause it seems like it is going to fire any sec.

It may be related to wet weather wer're having.

You might also consider the fuel pressure regulator.
When you have this problem, is there a strong gasoline smell? Or not?
If yes, it could be that you're getting too much gas, and essentially flooding the engine, which will cause it to run rough until the excess gas is burned off. Also, it will start after a short wait one the excessgas evaporates or drains back to the tank.
The opposite is also possible. Not enough gas will cause hard start and rough idle, too.

Consider too, the plug wires. Bad wires will react the same as a bad coil. Usually with a bad plug wire, or dirty filter, the engine will stumble under load, like when you're going up hill, or under hard acceleration.

Timing might also be an issue.

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Hey thanks!

It started this morning after the sun came up and warmed the engine compartment which I opened to the sun. Then we took it ten miles north and back with light loads, and no problems, even seemed to me to be running "better" that before !!

I think you may have hit it with the spark plug wires item. It was cold and misty moist yeasterday, and today it is cool but sunny-dry, with good sun energy (my solar cells are really kicking today) so I think the spark plug wires are crazed with age (I know I am!) I am going to inspect and possible replace those wires, and look at the distributor cap too. The engine isn't straining under accelleration. The fuel pressure may be a probelm, but I am going to have to get that checked by a mechanic since I don't have the test equipment.

Thanks for the help!

Rick

ps: I love this truck! beat up as it is... :^)